Question 1

what's a joing sprain?

Accepted Answer

General term: "sprain" is a general term - often mis used referring to the stretch or tearing of  a ligament.  Ligaments are the 'rubber bands" that hold bones and joints together in the skeleton. Minor sprains resolve without treatment, severe ones sometimes require many weeks of treatment or even surgery.

Question 2

how can a sprain be cured?

Accepted Answer

R.I.C.E. and time: A sprain will heal given time.  To alleviate symptoms in the acute period, r.I.C.E.  Rest, ice, compression, elevation.  Oral anti-inflammatories may help with swelling/pain.  Once the swelling has decreased, begin working on range of motion. Gently progress to strengthening and gradually return to activities as tolerated.

Question 3

should i ice an old sprain?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes, ice helps healing, especially if there is swelling.  If it's a chronic or recurring sprain, you may need bracing or to see your local podiatrist  for further treatment.

Question 4

how are neck sprains treated?

Accepted Answer

Pt: Best to see a physical therapist and do a4 week course of physical therapy.

Question 5

how can i reduce sprain pain?

Accepted Answer

Can you say "RICE": This mnemonic has stood the test of time because it is correct.  Rest the area - reduce weight bearing or use.  Ice the area - the best early treatment for sprains.  Compression to the area - protection reduces irritation and aids healing.  Elevation to the area - gravity isn't just a suggestion, it's the law so fight it by elevating the part.

If you're not better in 72 hours see your doctor.

Question 6

tell me what's a grade 2 sprain?

Accepted Answer

It depends: There are several different grading systems. Some are supposed to apply to all joints while others intended to apply to certain joints only. However, most have 3 different grades where grade 1 is the most mild and grade 3 is the worst. So, a grade 2 is right in the middle. What that means regarding treatment and prognosis cannot be answered without knowing more info.

Question 7

how can i treat a sprained pinky?

Accepted Answer

The pinky blues: How to get rid of the "blues": ice 20 minutes on/20 minutes off during 1st week. After 1 week, heat or ice, whatever feels better. Arnica. Nsaids like Ibuprofen with food if your stomach's okay. Gentle stretching. If gets worse or not better in 2 weeks, see your doc. Hope your pinky's happy soon!

Question 8

how can i treat a sprain from home?

Accepted Answer

RICE: Rest. Ice. Elevation. Gentle compression.
Rest the affected limb.
Apply cold packs for short periods of time to help control swelling. Make sure you have sufficient padding to prevent frostbite. Elevate the affected limb above the level of the heart, on several pillows if need be. A gentle wrap to support the injured limb.

Question 9

what is the recovery time for a sprain?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Mild or grade 1 sprains typically heal in 1-2weeks
grade 2 or moderate sprains take about 4weeks to heal
a grade 3 sprain which is a complete ligament tear can take 6-8 weeks to heal and might require surgery.

Question 10

how does heat & cold help heal sprains?

Accepted Answer

Blood flow: Using ice or other cold therapy after an injury helps to decrease the blood flow to the area which helps to decrease the amount of swelling and may dull the pain as well.

Using heat later will increase blood flow to the area, hopefully carrying off the mediators of inflammation and may help loosen up the joint to facilitate regaining any lost motion.

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Doctor answers about:

Sprain

A member asked:

What's a joing sprain?

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How can a sprain be cured?

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Should i ice an old sprain?

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How are neck sprains treated?

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How can i reduce sprain pain?

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Tell me what's a grade 2 sprain?

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How can i treat a sprained pinky?

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How can i treat a sprain from home?

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What is the recovery time for a sprain?

A member asked:

How does heat & cold help heal sprains?

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